Ron Smith (left) and Doug Tucker are a two-person band from St. Clair County, Michigan. Rita MacDonald
Blue Water Area band Smith and Tucker, Ron Smith (left) and Doug Tucker. Photo Courtesy of Smith and Tucker
Friends since 1980, Ron Smith and Doug Tucker never dreamed that their high school basement rock band would bind the two pals together for the rest of their lives.
Today, their band Smith and Tucker entertains crowds, taking them back in time with tunes from the 60s, 70s, and 80s performing hit songs from famous artists such as Neil Young, Elvis, Tom Petty, and Hank Williams. Tucker is the lead singer and plays the guitar and harmonica, while Smith plays the mandolin, guitar, and singing harmony.
“Our vocals naturally lock on to each other,” Smith says. “It’s one of our strong points and you can really sense the original artist.”
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Blue Water Area band Smith and Tucker, Ron Smith (left) and Doug Tucker.The band is a frequent presence at establishments across the Blue Water Area and can often be found performing in venues such as The Dorsey House, LaCroix's Riverside Pub, and Murphy Inn.
During the week, they both work full-time jobs, Smith for Eastpointe Community Schools and Tucker for a tool and dye shop in Marysville, but say they always look forward to when they can “squeeze themselves into a corner” of a venue and share their love of music.
The friends grew up together in Detroit where the origin of their band took root. They and several of their classmates always found themselves making music and silly movies together and eventually, a group started a high school rock band, of which many of its members are still close.
Over the years, Smith and Tucker have performed many gigs together with their old pals and produced three CDs with one of their original guitar players. The pair began their duo gig 12 years ago, and have been touring the Blue Water Area since.
They say as they find themselves getting older, they enjoy the music and crowds more, especially getting to know the faces in their own community.
“Music has a way of bringing people together,” Tucker says. “Especially along Lake St. Clair."
In the future, Smith and Tucker plan to reunite with their former band members to create a musical tribute in honor of a friend and drummer they have lost since their early friendships.
To stay up-to-date about news and upcoming performances, visit Smith and Tucker at facebook.com/smith.n.tucker.
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Rita MacDonald is a U.S. Army veteran and a full-time registered nurse who claims that her Irish and Scottish heritage is the reason for her love of storytelling. She is the mother of two adult sons, “Gummy” to her three grandchildren, loves talking with anyone who will engage in a conversation, and “eats life with a shovel!” In addition to her work with The Keel, Rita is a contributor for the Thumbprint News, an author of three books, and writes a blog at
kitchentabledevotions.com.